Winter Wonderland

FEATURED ARTICLES ABOUT WINTER WONDERLAND - PAGE 3

Some North Hagerstown High School graduates are scheduled to march Thursday in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Donna Dayhoff said her daughter, Nicole, and Tara Muggenberg play the piccolo in the Towson University Tiger Marching Band. Nicole -- a junior studying to be a school psychologist -- graduated from North in 2007, and Tara graduated in 2008, Donna Dayhoff said. She said a few other local students are in the band, but she wasn't sure who they are. The Towson University band is the only college band in the parade.

Motorists and pedestrians passing the Washington County Administration Building on Tuesday got the chance to see the County Commissioners in rare form - singing a few Christmas and seasonal carols in public. Led by Public Works Director Gary Rohrer, who wore a Santa hat, the commissioners and several county employees sang 11 carols for about 25 minutes on the front steps of the Administration Building. The songs included "Frosty the Snowman," "Jingle Bells," "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," "Deck the Halls" and "Joy to the World.

Christmas carols and other music of the holiday are everywhere, and I'm tired of it already. I am tired of the music for two reasons: We've been hearing them since before Thanksgiving, and they are the same songs we've been hearing since, well, as long as I can remember. We start hearing Christmas music around the middle of November. Evidently, this is supposed to boost spirits and make people excited for Christmas. It's probably related to marketing Christmas - to remind people that they need to start shopping and hoarding.

WILLIAMSPORT - Bundled in a blanket, 6-year-old Nikkie watched as Santa Claus came to town aboard a firetruck. As a horse-drawn sleigh passed, her eyes became like saucers. Those are the big dogs, Pat Price told Nikkie, a black and tan miniature dachshund who swiveled with excitement in Price's arms as the pair took in the sights Sunday during Williamsport's holiday parade. Majorettes, and musicians wearing elf ears and white-trimmed red hats, accompanied Santa Claus to Byron Memorial Park, where hundreds of people applauded the lighting of a winter wonderland.

HAGERSTOWN -- The Maryland Theatre's annual Hollyfest variety show featured 11 musical acts and almost as many different versions of "Jingle Bells. " The classic carol took on a country bluegrass vibe in a medley performed by the Smithsburg High School Orchestra, a funky techno beat for a Dancin' Time Studios performance and a jazz-inspired treatment by the Smithsburg High School Jazz Ensemble, to great applause each time. The free holiday show drew an audience of more than 800 people, more than any Hollyfest in recent years, said Jenni Hatcher, The Maryland Theatre's executive director.

Smooth harmonies from four barbershop choruses filled the sanctuary at Emmanuel United Methodist Church on Sunday as the church continued its tradition of providing a free Christmas concert. The groups performed for more than an hour at the church at 802 Summit Ave., and near the end of the 3 p.m. show, the audience of about 100 people was invited to join in singing favorite holiday tunes. Bill Divelbiss, member of the Mason-Dixon Chorus, one of the groups that performed, said the concert has been held for about six years.

Reminder to parents Parents of Washington County Public School students, be sure to note the following on your schedule: Schools will close 2 1/2 hours early Friday, which will mark the end of the marking period for students in elementary and secondary schools. Schools will also be closed Monday, Jan. 17, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday and on Tuesday, Jan. 18, for a professional learning day. Classes will resume on Wednesday, Jan. 19. Blue Band Night Wendy's and the Williamsport Blue Band Boosters Club invite the community to this month's Blue Band Night, Wednesday, Jan. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the 1570 Wesel Blvd.

An audience comprising children, parents and grandparents gathered Saturday night at The Maryland Theatre for what patrons described as a joyous beginning to the holiday season. The Maryland Symphony Orchestra's annual Home for the Holidays concert included favorites such as “Winter Wonderland” and “White Christmas.” The concert will be held again Sunday at 3 p.m. “It is a tradition, and many people bring their families. It is an opportunity to ring in the season. It is a real way to bring everybody together, to greet your neighbors and say happy holidays,” said Tamara Nuzzaci Park, executive director of the MSO. Park said she was thrilled to have the Northern Middle School's girls ensemble perform at the concert this year.